BlueCrest University College matriculates fresh students, urges commitment to academic excellence

BlueCrest University College has urged its newly admitted students to take their academic work seriously and develop the discipline, integrity and determination needed to succeed.

The call was made during the institution’s 32nd Matriculation Ceremony held at its campus in Accra on Friday, November 13.

The ceremony, held under the theme “Shaping tomorrow: Embracing the journey to excellence”, brought together university management, faculty members, students, parents and invited guests to formally welcome the new students into the academic community.

In his welcome address, the Acting Rector and Dean of Academics, Professor Thomas Buabeng Assan, encouraged the fresh students to see excellence as a continuous process rather than an achievement attained only at the end of their studies.

He said their academic journey would expose them to challenges and opportunities that could shape their personal and professional development.

“Excellence is not a destination, but a path that you craft with every test, every challenge, and every success,” he told the students.

On his part, the Vice Rector, Eric Hanson, also reminded the students that gaining admission was only the beginning of their academic journey, stressing that their commitment would determine whether they eventually graduated.

He urged them to take ownership of their learning, uphold integrity, build meaningful relationships and make good use of opportunities available to them.

“Admission is just an achievement. However, graduation is a decision,” he said.

Delivering the special guest address, Development Communication and Media Studies expert, Dr Ransford Antwi, urged the students to begin practising excellence immediately rather than waiting until they completed their programmes.

He said the decisions they make as students would influence their future, adding that they should use their time at the university to develop the skills and habits needed for their chosen careers.

“Your tomorrow starts from today. Every decision that you make today is going to affect you tomorrow,” he said.

Dr Antwi also encouraged the students to develop critical thinking skills, embrace collaboration, build networks with lecturers and colleagues, and use the university as a space to test their ideas.

He cautioned them against distractions and urged them to research opportunities within their communities instead of assuming that better prospects exist only outside the country.

Drawing lessons from the story 'Acres of Diamonds', he said students could overlook valuable opportunities around them while searching for success elsewhere.

He also advised them not to confuse opportunities abroad with necessarily better prospects, stressing that meaningful possibilities could be found within their immediate environments.